Mar 14, 2024 - minute readminutes read

How To Brush Your Teeth for Better Health

Brushing your teeth the proper way is important for your oral and overall health.

We all know that brushing your teeth makes them look whiter and feel cleaner, but brushing them correctly helps prevent toothaches, bleeding gums and other oral health issues which can also potentially affect your general health.

Brushing for just two minutes, twice a day, removes plaque from your teeth. If left to build up, plaque can cause bad breath, yellow teeth and ultimately lead to cavities and gingivitis or periodontitis which compromise the health of your gums and teeth. The best way to remove plaque is to combine effective toothbrushing with interdental cleaning and rinsing.

Want to perfect your toothbrushing technique and care for your oral and general health? Watch our video below and follow our tips for a healthy mouth, smile and body! While the basics of oral care can benefit everyone, you should visit your dental professional twice a year for personalized care and a professional clean.

Watch our video to discover some tips to become an excellent brusher!

Before Brushing Your Teeth

Select the Right Toothbrush

When choosing a toothbrush, consider bristle hardness, head size, and handle design. Soft bristles are recommended as they are gentle on the gums and enamel, reducing the risk of gum recession and enamel wear. The toothbrush head should be small enough to access all areas of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth. Finally, the handle should be comfortable to hold, offering a firm grip to ensure effective brushing.

Use the Right Toothpaste

Selecting the right toothpaste is essential for oral health. Look for a toothpaste with fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the risk of decay. For specific concerns like tooth sensitivity, whitening, or gum health, choose a toothpaste formulated to address these needs. Remember, the best choice can vary depending on individual dental health, so consider consulting with a dental professional for personalized recommendations.

1. Always tilt your brush at a 45° angle and gently slide the bristles under the gum tissue.

2. Gently wiggle the brush back and forth and end with a sweeping downward or upward stroke. Repeat for all outer and inner surfaces.

3. Clean the inner surfaces of your front teeth using up-and-down strokes. Always gently slide the bristles under the gum line.

4. Brush your biting surfaces with a back-and-forth motion. Finish by brushing your tongue.

After Brushing Your Teeth

Clean Your Tongue

Brushing your tongue is crucial for maintaining oral hygiene. It helps remove bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath and contribute to plaque buildup. We recommend using a tongue cleaner with a soft brush and scraper or a toothbrush with a tongue cleaner to remove plaque and buildup from the surface of the tongue. This should be a regular part of your oral care routine.

Don’t Forget to Floss

Flossing plays a key role in oral hygiene, and can be done before or after brushing, based on personal preference and dental advice. It removes plaque and food particles between teeth where a toothbrush can't reach. It's important to floss at least once a day. Use a gentle sawing motion to get between teeth without harming the gums, and contour the floss around the side of the tooth.

End With Rinsing

Finishing your oral care routine with a mouth rinse provides several benefits. It helps remove any remaining particles, reduces bacteria, and can provide additional fluoride. Choose a mouth rinse that suits your specific dental needs, whether it's for fresh breath, gum health, plaque control, or enamel health. Rinse according to the product's directions for optimal results.

A FEW THINGS you may be wondering about:

How to Brush

We’re all different. Are you having trouble brushing your back teeth? Do you have sensitive teeth or bleeding gums? Perhaps you just got braces, are wearing dentures or implants, or even have a baby at home? If you’re looking for a solution that takes into account your specific needs head to our page on how to choose the right toothbrush for you.

Plaque is made up of bacteria that live in your mouth. Feeding on the sugars in the food you eat, they multiply and produce waste. The bacteria and their waste, leftover food and saliva combine to form plaque - a soft, pale yellow and sticky biofilm on the surface of the teeth. During this process, the bacteria produce acids which can damage your teeth and cause cavities. They also release toxins which can challenge your gums and potentially affect your general health.

How to Brush

Plaque forms on the surface of the teeth and tends to accumulate between the teeth, above and below the gum line, where access with a toothbrush is more difficult. Every time you brush, think about covering the area along the gum line. To remove plaque between your teeth, you will need some extra help, from an interdental brush, pick or floss.

This suggests you might be brushing too hard or that your gums are unusually tender due to inflammation. Everyone should brush their teeth gently. Contrary to popular belief, brushing vigorously or using a brush with stiff bristles won’t do a better job. In fact, it can damage your enamel and gum tissue which can lead to bleeding, gum recession and tooth sensitivity. If you’re wondering which brush is best for you, check out our tips on how to choose your toothbrush. If the bleeding doesn’t subside with a softer brush and more gentle brushing you should see your dental professional.

A simple and complete routine is the pillar of great oral health. It consists of three easy steps: brushing, interdental cleaning and rinsing! Making this routine a habit morning and evening will help keep your mouth healthy and prevent many oral health challenges.

How to Brush Your Teeth Properly in 4 Easy Steps | GUM®

Rinsing your mouth after brushing is a common practice, but it's important to consider the type of toothpaste you're using. If your toothpaste contains fluoride, avoid rinsing immediately after brushing. This allows the fluoride to remain on your teeth longer, enhancing its protective benefits. However, if you prefer to rinse, wait a few minutes after brushing. Use a fluoride mouthwash instead of water for additional protection.

How to Brush Your Teeth Properly in 4 Easy Steps | GUM®

While wetting your toothbrush before applying toothpaste can make the bristles feel softer, research has not shown a significant difference in the effectiveness of brushing with either a wet or dry toothbrush. This one comes down to personal preference.

How to Brush Your Teeth Properly in 4 Easy Steps | GUM®

It's recommended to replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Over time, toothbrush bristles lose their effectiveness in cleaning teeth and may harbor bacteria. A new toothbrush can ensure optimal cleaning efficiency and maintain oral hygiene. Additionally, consider replacing your toothbrush after recovering from an illness to prevent reinfection.